Perseverance in Relationships
“Some people brighten a room when they enter.
“Some people brighten a room when they leave.”
We’ve all experienced both.
In choir ministry, relationships matter just as much as the notes we sing. Harmonies don’t just happen musically — they happen relationally. When attitudes clash, when misunderstandings arise, when personalities differ, it can affect the tone on the platform.
But Scripture reminds us:
“For you have need of perseverance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” – Hebrews 10:36
Perseverance isn’t just about enduring hard seasons. It’s about enduring with people.
In ministry, you don’t just persevere through busy schedules or long rehearsals — you persevere through relationships. You choose patience when it would be easier to react. You choose grace when it would be easier to withdraw. You choose unity when it would be easier to divide.
Anyone can sing when everything feels good.
Mature worshipers sing when relationships require work.
In a choir, we breathe together. We listen to each other. We adjust to each other. If one part overpowers, the blend suffers. The same is true relationally. Humility creates harmony.
Let’s be people who brighten the room when we enter — not because of personality, but because of the Spirit of Christ in us.
Perseverance in relationships means:
· Refusing to gossip.
· Choosing conversation over assumption.
· Extending forgiveness quickly.
· Remembering we are on the same team.
· Protecting the unity of the Spirit.
At church, worship is a responsibility. And part of that responsibility is how we treat each other off the platform.
The promise in Hebrews comes after perseverance.
Persevere in love.
Persevere in unity.
Persevere in grace.
When relationships are healthy, the worship is powerful.
And when the choir is unified, heaven listens.
About the Author
Steven Allen has been the Minister of Music at Westmore Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, since April 2001. In this role, he provides leadership for the church’s music and media ministries, overseeing the pastoral care, planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of all worship and media-related ministries. Working closely with Lead Pastor Kelvin Page, Steven embraces a team approach to ministry, helping cultivate a vibrant congregation of dynamic and committed believers.
Steven’s passion is to lead people into meaningful encounters with God. Through both corporate gatherings and personal devotion, he encourages the Westmore congregation to experience the presence of God through authentic praise and worship.
Steven earned a Bachelor of Arts in Church Music from Lee University in 1992 and is an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God.
In addition to his ministry at Westmore, Steven has served as a clinician at numerous music conferences, adjudicated state and national Teen Talent competitions, and led worship at both local and national events. He was a charter member and former chairman of the Church of God Music Pastor’s Advisory Council, currently serves on the Church of God Tennessee State Music Board, and serves as Chairman of the Global Worship Initiative Board. Steven has also led worship for state meetings, evangelism conferences, national music and worship gatherings, and the Church of God International Assembly. He is also a contributor to the devotional Heart Songs: A Journey of Worship.
Steven has been married to Laura Roman Allen since 1991. Together, they have three sons: Chandler, Zachary, and Nicholas.
